Simple Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

The Coziest Easy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Crafting a delightful hamburger potato casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this straightforward midweek meal.

Layers of seasoned ground beef nestled between tender potato slices create a satisfying dish.

Simplicity defines this classic recipe that appeals to everyone at the table.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal preparation.

Busy families will love the convenience and rich, filling flavors packed into each bite.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious mouthful of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Reasons to Enjoy Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Simplify Comfort Cooking: Layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese create a hearty meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Budget-Friendly Family Pleaser: Affordable ingredients transform basic pantry staples into a satisfying dinner that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Minimal prep and cleanup make this casserole a stress-free solution for busy weeknight dinners, allowing more time to enjoy with loved ones.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra seasonings, switching cheese types, or incorporating vegetables to suit family preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Hamburger Potato Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.
Vegetable Base:
  • Onion, Diced: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the beef mixture.
  • Potatoes, Sliced: Serves as the starchy foundation of the casserole, creating a comforting texture.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a mild, aromatic seasoning to the beef.
  • Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and slight smokiness to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
Binding and Creamy Elements:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a rich, creamy sauce that helps bind the ingredients.
  • Milk: Thins the soup and adds additional creaminess to the casserole.
Cheese and Topping:
  • Cheese: Melts to create a golden, gooey layer that adds richness and flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden top when baking.
Garnish:
  • Parsley, Chopped: Provides a fresh, bright finish to the casserole.

How to Make Hamburger Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Turn your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a mouthwatering comfort meal.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Grab a skillet and cook up your ground beef with diced onions.

Break the meat into small crumbles as it sizzles. Once the beef is nicely browned, drain away any extra fat.

Sprinkle in:
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together for a flavor explosion.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole Magic

Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and start building your delicious layers:
  • First layer: Sliced potatoes
  • Second layer: Seasoned beef mixture
  • Third layer: Shredded cheese

Repeat these layers one more time for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Pour on the Creamy Goodness

Evenly spread the soup and milk mixture over the entire casserole.

Step 6: Add Buttery Touches

Dot the top of the casserole with small butter pieces and cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top and serve this comforting dish piping hot.

Enjoy your hearty meal!

Helpful Tips for Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and maintain a crisp, delicious layer.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of cream of mushroom soup and checking ingredient labels carefully.
  • Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Twists for Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and replace cream of mushroom soup with salsa for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Pairing Suggestions for Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Hearty Family Dinner Night: Serve this casserole as a complete meal with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this dish to gatherings, as it travels well and keeps warm in a covered dish, making it perfect for community events and shared meals.
  • Comfort Food Upgrade: Pair with tangy pickles or a dollop of sour cream on top to add extra flavor and create a more gourmet experience for comfort food lovers.
  • Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions the next day for a quick lunch, or transform remaining casserole into a breakfast-style dish by topping with a fried egg.

Best Storage for Hamburger Potato Casserole

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole covered tightly with plastic wrap or lid.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months, ensuring a good seal to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken work well as alternatives in this casserole.

  • Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or use additional vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

  • What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture when baked.

  • How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and a reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup to cut down on calories and fat.

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Simple Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe

Simple Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger potato casserole delivers comfort with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in one satisfying dish. Home cooks appreciate this classic midwestern meal that offers simple ingredients and rich flavor you’ll savor with each comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 45 medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Dairy and Sauce:

  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring a perfectly calibrated cooking environment for the casserole.
  2. Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat, breaking the meat into crumbly pieces until it browns completely and loses its raw appearance.
  3. Eliminate excess grease from the meat mixture, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
  4. Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk together in a separate bowl, creating a smooth, creamy sauce for binding the casserole.
  5. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and create the first foundation layer using half of the sliced potatoes, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
  6. Add a generous layer of the seasoned beef mixture over the potatoes, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  7. Sprinkle the first layer of cheese across the beef, creating a melty barrier between layers.
  8. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese, building a structured casserole with balanced ingredients.
  9. Carefully pour the prepared soup and milk mixture over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers.
  10. Strategically dot the surface with butter pieces to enhance richness and promote golden browning.
  11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent excessive surface browning.
  12. Bake for 60 minutes, maintaining consistent heat distribution.
  13. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly, and potatoes reach desired tenderness.
  14. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow settling and easier serving.
  15. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish and serve piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
  • Make this casserole gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of cream of mushroom soup and selecting gluten-free cheese.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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